Dyspepsia is generally defined as persistent abdominal pain that is centered in the upper abdomen and is usually present for more than four weeks.

Associated symptoms include a sensation of bloating, nausea, burping, and early satiety (a feeling of fullness that occurs soon after eating). Symptoms usually develop after meals, but this is not an absolute association.

Bloating can result from excessive gas in the digestive system and a lack of sufficient quantities of digestive enzymes and bile acids required to rapidly break down food. Intestinal gas results from food fermentation and from swallowing air while eating. The bloating from intestinal gas is different from that which occurs in the colon.

A suggested source of these problems is in the failure of the digestive tract to sustain youthful peristaltic contractions. Peristaltic contractions, though, are always strong in middle aged and older individuals with a healthy muscular and skeletal system. The role of the spine and the muscle of the back are invaluable in assisting with the proper motility aiding the gastro-intestinal tract. Also, any surgical procedure that affects the musculature of the abdomen can dramatically reduce the proper strength and coordination of peristaltic contractions.

The focus, while dealing with gastro-intestinal conditions such as Dyspepsia, should be on reducing the muscolu-skeletal barriers to achieving proper gastro-intestinal function, including the role of the musculature and the role of the nervous system which is housed and directed by the musculo-skeletal system.

If you are having abdominal pain, speak with your doctor for more information about Dyspepsia to determine whether it is a cause of your symptoms.

As always, further educate yourself on how to have greater control over your health and your body.

About the Author:

Dr. Bryan Brodeur is the owner of VitalityHouse, a health and fitness web site teaching you how to master your body.